Eco-Friendly Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Silica Pomegranate Nanoparticles

Plant-based synthesis of nanoparticles is an advanced and sustainable approach with wide-ranging applications across industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. In this study, pomegranate leaf extract was utilized as a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method for synthesizing silica nanoparticles. The biological synthesis employed the leaf extract both as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Characterization of the biosynthesized silica nanoparticles was performed using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results confirmed that the nanoparticles possessed a spherical shape and an amorphous structure. Their antibacterial properties were evaluated using the well-diffusion method against four bacterial strains, revealing significant antimicrobial activity. These findings suggest that silica nanoparticles synthesized via plant extracts hold strong potential for the development of novel antimicrobial agents, especially to tackle drug-resistant bacteria, while promoting environmentally sustainable practices.